1. What is geography? Geography is a field of science dedicated to the study of the earth – Landscapes – Features – Inhabitants – Phenomena

2. What kind of things can a map tell us? Political maps – Boundaries of places – Locations

3. What kind of things can a map tell us? Physical maps – Landforms and water

4. What kind of things can a map tell us? Elevation maps – Distance above or below sea level

5. What kind of things can a map tell us? Population maps – How many people live in a certain area – Population density measured per capita

6. What kind of things can a map tell us? Climate maps – Weather patterns and temperatures

7. What kind of things can a map tell us? Natural resource maps – Where and what type of resources are available

8. How do we read maps? Map tools – Compasses Instrument used to show direction Cardinal directions (North, South, East and West)

9. How do we read maps? Map tools (cont.) – Map Key Also known as a legend Uses symbols to identify locations of real things

10. How do we read maps? Map tools (cont.) – Distance scale Used to help calculate actual distance between locations on a small map

11. How do we read maps? Map tools (cont.) – Map grid Usually numbers and/or letters that divide maps into small sections

12. How do we read maps? Map tools (cont.) – Latitude Horizontal lines on a world map/globe Also known as parallels Run east/west across the world Middle point known as the equator

13. How do we read maps? Map tools (cont.) – Longitude Vertical lines on a world map or glove Also known as meridians Run north/south around the world Middle point called “prime meridian”

14. How do we read maps? Map tools (cont.) – Hemispheres Equator runs east/west and splits earth into northern and southern hemispheres Prime meridian runs north/south and divides earth into eastern and western hemispheres

15. What types of land formations exist? Definition: Natural features of the earth’s surface – Mountains High elevation (known as peak) Usually formed through tectonic activity – Plains Flat, dry area Important for agriculture—fertile soil – Glaciers Dense, flowing ice that Created the Great Plains – Deserts Arid (DRY!) climate Lacks vegetation or animal life

16. What types of land formations exist? – Wetlands Saturated with water with lots of wildlife – Rivers Flowing body of water Often floods during wet seasons – Lakes Depression filled with water Formed through tectonics, landslides, craters, glacial activity, etc.

17. How is America divided up? United States of America – States – Counties, parishes, boroughs (Not in Connecticut or Rhode Island) – Cities and townships